Colour change on cycle lane project
THERE IS A SHORTAGE OF GREEN TARMAC
A PROPOSED new green-coloured cycle lane in Hull is set to be black instead - because of a shortage of construction materials.
Green tarmac has been used extensively across the city since last summer on new and upgraded cycle lanes as part of a drive by Hull City Council to encourage safer cycling routes.
But a section of a new 5km route along Beverley Road will be temporarily surfaced with black tarmac over the next few days because of supply issues.
The new shared pedestrian and cycle track between Wellington Lane and Terry Street will be temporarily finished in black tarmac with a white line painted down the centre instead of the now familiar green.
The council say black tarmac is also currently much cheaper to use, although it will be removed and replaced with green at a later date.
As well as a colour change, the finished track will also eventually feature raised blocks down the centre of the route to assist visually impaired people who use the section.
Councillor Dean Kirk, portfolio holder for transportation, roads and highways at Hull City Council, said: “With the nationwide shortage of construction materials, we have taken the decision to temporarily surface this section of cycle track in the most cost-effective way, so it can be completed at a later date when the necessary materials are available.”
The revamp in Beverley Road is costing £1.1m and includes new off-road cycle tracks between Greenwood Avenue and the city boundary, widening existing cycle lanes and new and improved signalled pedestrian crossing facilities at Station Drive near Cave Street.
Low-level signals and early-start zones for cyclists are also being added at key junctions along the route.
Cllr Kirk said: “With this improved infrastructure, Hull City Council is making cycling a realistic transport choice for new and experienced cyclists alike.”